Title: Agriculture 8 Trimester Class Required for All 8Th Graders
Agriculture
Title: Agriculture 8 Trimester class – required for all 8th graders
Class Description: This course is designed to give students an introduction to Wisconsin agriculture and commodities in agriculture. Students will be taking a deeper look at Wisconsin commodities and the industries centered around them. The class is broken down into six units: Introduction to Agriculture, Plant Science, Farm Machinery, Animal Science, Food Science, and Agriculture Careers. Throughout this course students will see the how seeds germinate, how ice cream is made, types of machinery used in agriculture, nutritional analysis on different commodities, animal identification, and find an avenue of agriculture that interests them in researching.
Title: Tractor Safety Spring Semester - Exploratory for 7th graders
Class Description: This course is designed to give students a better understanding of tractor safety and operation. This class will also help present and future operators of tractors and machinery learn to work safely and efficiently. This class will also qualify youth for employment in operation of farm tractors and machinery as specified in the Federal Department of Labor orders. Students will become certified upon the satisfactory completion of chapter assignments, a driving test, and the age requirement of 14.
Title: Wisconsin Wildlife Spring Semester - Exploratory for 7th graders
Class Description: This course is designed to give students a deeper look at the different species of wildlife throughout the state of Wisconsin. Students will research wildlife species in Wisconsin and wildlife species found elsewhere in the world. From this students will discover the differences and similarities between habitats, animal characteristics, animal behaviors, and animal history. Students will also take a closer look at wildlife importance’s and wildlife management plans.
Title: ATV/Snowmobile Safety Fall Semester - Exploratory for 7th graders
Class Description: This course is centered around the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Safety Training Program. This course helps reduce the potential for ATV/Snowmobile accidents, injuries and fatalities, to reduce the potential for conflict between ATV'ers/Snowmobiles, landowners, and other resource users, and to promote safe, responsible, and ethical use of the environment and our resources. This class will also qualify youth for certification to operate ATV’s/Snowmobiles on public trails, anyone born after January 1, 1988 is required to have certification to operate on public trails. Students will become certified upon the satisfactory completion of chapter assignments, a driving test, and the age requirement of 12.
Art
Title: 8th Grade Art Explorations Spring Semester (Exploratory for 8th graders)
Class Description: The 8th Grade Art Explorations Course is a 12 week class designed to inspire students to use art as a means of communication and expression and to introduce students to the idea that in art we are not looking for one correct answer, we are looking for all of the possibilities. Students will explore art, and artists, from our currant time as they study the elements and principals of design. Students will investigate art production in both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional compositions. Students will investigate unusual art techniques and use them to produce art work with a variety art medias in the areas of computer design, collage, fibers, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and pottery (wheel thrown and hand built ). Students will analyze their performance and evaluate the merits of the art work of other artists.
Title: 7th Grade Art Investigations Trimester (Required for all 7th graders)
Class Description: The 7th Grade Art Investigations Course is a 12 week class designed to inspire students to use art as a means of communication and expression and to show how important art related fields are in our everyday lives. Students will learn about art, and artists, from many cultures and styles as they study the elements and principals of design. Students will learn new techniques in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art production. Students will produce art work in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, computer design, pottery (hand built and wheel thrown), and sculpture. Students will analyze their performance and evaluate the merits of the art work of other artists.
Business Education
Title: Exploring Career Decisions Trimester (Required for all 8th graders)
Class Description: This course is designed to provide an orientation to the world of work, including understanding career clusters and exploring various career opportunities. Experiences are designed to introduce students to the technical nature of today’s world and the role of productive workers. Activities enable students to increase self-awareness and make wise educational and occupational decisions as they plan for careers. Emphasis is placed on matching and improving students’ strengths and interests related to courses in school and their future career plans. The formal career development planning process often begins within this course.
Title: Intro to Computer Applications Fall Semester (Exploratory for 7th graders)
Class Description: Intro to Computer Applications is a course in which students will use a computer more efficiently through program knowledge and input device knowledge. You know how to use Microsoft Office to type a report, but can you use the program to make your work stand out? Are you able to complete simple spreadsheets using Excel? Do you know the in’s and out’s of the proper way to do a PowerPoint presentation? Intro to Computer Applications will assist you in knowing how to produce professional communication documents, create spreadsheets, and expand your presentation skills.
Computer Science
Title: Computer Basics Spring Semester (Exploratory for 7th graders)
Class Description: The students will learn about the history of the computer. Identify the different parts of hardware as well as some simple repairs. Learn how a computer actually works. Learn how the proper etiquette of using email and all of its features. Students will learn how to use the Internet more effectively as well as some of the dangers associated with it. Students will create their own web site that will be attached to the School’s web site. Students will create podcasts and learn how to do some simple digital video editing.
English
Title: 7th Grade Language Arts All Year (Required for all 7th graders)
Class Description: 7th grade language arts focuses on improving reading and writing skills using a variety of thematic units. Students will learn how to use thinking patterns to determine purpose, audience, voice, emphasis, support, and organization in both reading and writing. Thematic units include Greek Mythology, A Christmas Carol, Culture and Tolerance, Media Literacy, and various novels. Another focus is to expose students to a variety of genres so they see reading as a source of enjoyment and become lifelong readers.
Title: 8th Grade Language Arts All Year (Required for all 8th graders)
Class Description: 8th grade language arts focuses on improving reading and writing skills using a variety of thematic units. Using the thinking patterns knowledge that was established in 7th grade, students will continue to improve their understanding of purpose, audience, voice, emphasis, support, and organization in both reading and writing. Thematic units include Poetry, The Pearl novel unit, Civil War novel unit, and the Holocaust and The Diary of Anne Frank drama unit. Another focus is to expose students to a variety of genres so they see reading as a source of enjoyment and become lifelong readers.
Title: READ 180 Supplemental program
Class Description: READ 180 is a supplemental reading program for students who need extra instruction in order to get them up to their current grade level in reading. This class uses a variety of fictional stories and nonfictional articles to improve reading comprehension. It also contains a software program that is designed to meet the needs of each individual student. The software focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and fluency. In addition, students have the opportunity to read leveled books of their choice each day in a comfortable environment. The goal is to increase students’ reading levels along with exposing them to the joy of reading so that they become lifelong readers.
Family and Consumer Science
Title: Meals Fall Semester (Exploratory class for grade 8)
Course Description: Students explore food preparation and nutrition. Students are expected to work safely, prevent food-borne illness, do planning and time management, and work with other students during foods lab activities. Students will evaluate foods for the five macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals; and will discuss current nutritional concerns (obesity, trans fats, whole-grains).
Title: Fabrics Spring Semester (Exploratory class for grade 8)
Course Description: Students explore fabric by studying its characteristics and functional and creative uses. Students work cooperatively in the classroom while completing individual projects using hand sewing skills and sewing machines. Students explore practices in clothing manufacturing including assembly line work, child labor, and sweatshops.
Title: Quest Trimester class – required for all 7th graders
Class Description:Students learn about adolescent development and the significant role of peers in adolescent decision-making. Other topics include bullying, substance use and abuse, communication and refusal skills, and sexual relationships. Students participate in discussion and classroom learning activities.
Foreign Language
Title: Spanish Trimester class – required for all 8th graders
Class Description: This class introduces students to Spanish. Students will learn basic vocabulary and practice communicating orally. Topics studied include greetings, the alphabet, numbers, time, geography, months, seasons, weather, the body, and colors. Students will also study, make, and sample traditional foods.
Math
Title: 7th grade math Required for all 7th graders
Class Description: The Math Thematics curriculum is used to introduce algebra topics such as coordinate graphing, integers, functions and equations. These topics are connected to different settings via formulas, tables, graphs, sequences, problem solving, exponents and probability. Course work includes an exploration of geometry, transformations, symmetry, evaluating expressions, solving two step equations and multiplying and dividing fractions, decimals and integers. Additional skills include; proportion, percents, and collecting and analyzing data.
Title: 8th grade math Required for all 8th graders
Class Description: The Math Thematics curriculum is used to continue exploring pre-algebra topics including; rates, slope of a line, data displays, solving and graphing equations. Problem solving is developed and applied using the tools of measurement, algebra and statistics. Additional topics include; percents, probability, integers and order of operations in real world applications. Mathematical models are used to interpret and solve problems including volume relationships, scientific notation, solving equations to make predictions and indirect measurement. Two and three dimensional models are used to find surface area and volume of three dimensional figures.
Title: 7th & 8th grade math exploratory Required for all 7th & 8th graders
Class Description: The math elective is constructed to expose students to a variety of math topics as they relate to real world situations. A few of the topics covered include: infinity, origami, fractal geometry, network puzzles, geometry, time value of money, metric system and measurement. These and other topics are covered through video, internet and hands on activities including writing about math topics.
Music
Title: BandExploratory class for grade 7th & 8th graders
Class Description: A continuation of instrumental music study. Students will perform multiple concerts throughout the year. Students receive individualized education on their specific instrument. Middle School Band students also have the opportunity to participate in jazz band and various other small ensembles. Students also have the opportunity to participate in solo/ensemble. Pre-requisite- previous instrumental music experience or consent of instructor.
Title: Choir Exploratory class for grade 7th & 8th graders
Class Description: The objective of choir is to promote a greater joy in the participation of making music and to raise the standard of music appreciation. It is the study and performance of choral literature, representing the various periods and styles. Fundamental skills such as: voice production, diction, expression, and balance are stressed. Students are given an opportunity to participate in solo work and ensembles through music festivals. Every year the choir performs in two concerts, Large Group Music Contest and Eighth Grade Recognition. There are also opportunities for music trips which vary each year.
Physical Education
Title: Physical Education Required for all 7th8th graders
Class Description:The course is designed to help students acquire the knowledge, skills and self-confidence they need to participate in a wide variety of activities. The physical education department will help motivate students to participate and commit to a healthy life-style. Activities covered will be: physical fitness, volleyball, flag football, archery, basketball, racket sports, soccer, softball and simple games. Grading: Each student will be given 10 points per day by adhering to rules and assignments. Participation, cooperation, attendance, and dressing for class are very important.
Science
Title: Science 8 Required for all 8th graders
Class Description:The FOSS Curriculum concludes in 8th Grade. The school year begins with Forces and Motion Unit where students develop mathematical relations about physical interactions. The school year ends with the Planetary Science Unit where students learn astronomy and mapping skills.
Title: Science 7 Required for all 7th graders
Class Description:The FOSS Curriculum continues in middle school. The school year begins with Diversity of Life Unit where students learn how living things perform their functions. In the middle of the year, students develop their geology skills in the Earth’s History Unit. The school year ends with Chemistry Interactions Unit where students learn how particles in nature react with each other.
Title: Electronics Required for all 7th graders
Class Description: Students will learn how to problem solve as they build common electronic circuits.
Title: Science Media Required for all 8thgraders
Class Description: 8th Grade middle school students will also take the science elective, Science Media. Students will learn how to read science and develop skills for presenting scientific knowledge.
Social Studies
Title: United States History Required for all 8th graders
Class Description: Eighth Grade United States History is a comprehensive course introducing students to many different themes. Units and topics include: Exploration, Colonization, Revolution, Westward Expansion, Civil War, WWI, Great Depression, and WWII.
Title: Social Studies Required for all 7th graders
Class Description:Seventh Grade Social Studies is a study of Geography. Students will learn about the five themes of Geography, grid system, resources and populations. Students will use various maps, charts, tables, and graphs as they travel to different parts of the world.
Title: Current Events Required for 7th & 8th graders
Class Description: Course Content (Outline)
1) New Item Analysis – One per week; Source (Specific); Writer’s Name; Summary of Article; Analysis or Student Comment
2) Current Events Magazine; Weekly Reader – Articles, Quizzes, Worksheets, Additional Enriching Student Activities
3)Hot Spots; Current World Areas in the News (Ex Middle East, Iran, China, Cuba, North Korea); Why is the U.S involved or concerned?; Mapping of Area.
4)Life Album; Students research events from each year of their life; Two events per year from the following categories: Local, State, National, World; Students add photos to tell their life story; Students choose one event per year and write about its impact on them
5)Miscellaneous; Google – Current Events; Time For Kids; bensguide.gpo.gov
Technology
Title: Tech Ed 7 Fall & Spring (Exploratory for 7th graders)
Class Description: This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the three universal concepts of Technology: process, knowledge, and context and how it all fits into the world of Engineering. These universals will be explored while studying the four areas of industrial technology: communications, manufacturing, transportation, and construction. In exploring technology students will experience various technological clusters which will prepare them for their future study of technology.
At the end of this course students will have: 1) Raised their level of technological literacy. 2) Enhanced and developed new creative problem solving abilities. 3) Discussed the input, processes, and output (FEED BACK) model. 4) Developed an understanding of the systems of industrial Technology & Engineering. 5) Develop an understanding of technological advancement and its impact on the environment. 6) Experience the many aspects of the world of work, thereby initiating career exploration. 7) Demonstrated safe and productive work habits and practices.